Featured Garden

This garden lies on the south shore of the Firth of Forth.  Heavily planted with conifers and large over-grown shrubs between uneven gravel paths leading to a soggy lawn did not encourage the owners to use it.  The designer’s brief was to create a garden which complimented the house, encouraged movement through the space, provided comfortable areas for seating and entertaining, with a planting scheme for all year colour and interest.

A generous sandstone terrace forms the central space from which different areas of the garden can be approached.  Its formal design, with symmetrical steps down to the lawn, reflects the traditional Victorian house, while the contemporary stainless steel and glass balustrade echoes a similar style on the roof terrace and the modern furnishing indoors.   The layout of the garden is simple allowing the planting to provide the 3D effect.

Planting trees and shrubs using a limited colour palette creates a strong sense of continuity throughout the garden.  Hedges of Beech, Hydrangea, Pieris, Fuchsia and Box will grow to form structures dividing the garden into separate but linked spaces.  Perennials add soft detail, variations of the colour scheme and some surprise.

Water and lighting provide intrigue and a touch of humour, while a hot tub and wood oven enhance the owners’ enjoyment of their new garden.

Fenella Duncan at the Garden Studio